A late-night rideshare meetup in the French Quarter turned into a gunpoint robbery early Sunday when a person climbed into a car outside Bourbon Street, only to be held up moments later, according to police. The suspect demanded the victim’s phone and wallet, then forced them out of the vehicle before taking off on foot.
New Orleans police say the armed robbery unfolded around 12:48 a.m. in the 200 block of Bourbon Street. A dark-colored sedan reportedly pulled into the Lyft pickup area, and the driver asked if the victim was waiting for a ride. Police say the victim got into the car, and after a short drive, the driver pulled a handgun and demanded the victim’s belongings, according to WDSU. Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111 or submit a tip online via Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans.
Detectives Scour Video, Plead For Footage
NOPD detectives are leading the investigation and are asking witnesses, nearby businesses, and anyone who might have captured the incident on surveillance or cellphone video to come forward. The department routinely urges the public to share tips and footage in similar cases, according to an advisory and media bulletin posted by the NOPD.
Recent Robberies Put Quarter On Edge
Robberies like this have been surfacing across the area in recent weeks, adding to jitters about late-night travel around the French Quarter. On April 13, police reported that several people were robbed at gunpoint while walking toward the Quarter and that a Jeep was stolen during the incident, a case that underscored how quickly things can turn near busy pickup spots, according to FOX 8. Local outlets and law enforcement officials say both visitors and residents should be especially cautious on tourist-heavy streets after midnight.
How Riders Can Cut The Risk
Rideshare companies advise riders to double-check the driver’s name, photo, and license plate in the app before getting into any vehicle, to use PIN verification where it is available, and to share trip details with a trusted contact. Safety guidance from Lyft also highlights in-app location sharing and 24/7 support options if a ride starts to feel unsafe.
The suspect in Sunday’s French Quarter robbery remained at large as of Sunday afternoon. Anyone with information or video is asked to contact Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or send a tip through Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans, according to WDSU.
